Ayala injury not serious

Argentina captain Roberto Ayala’s thigh injury is not serious and there is renewed hope he will play in Friday’s World Cup clash with England.

The latest tests have confirmed the injury that forced the Valencia defender to miss Argentina’s 1-0 win over Nigeria on Saturday, was not as bad as was first thought.

‘‘He has a strain in his left thigh,’’ said the Argentina doctor Donato Villani.

‘‘We are going to evaluate his recovery day by day, to see whether he will be ready for the match against England.’’

Argentina lead Group F following Sunday’s 1-1 draw between Sweden and England.